Davies makes the hard-yards into the records

Phil Wilkinson

Young-gun Tom Davies has only made seven Super League appearances - but he’s already made a small piece of history!

The winger chalked up a staggering 309-metres with his carries in last Sunday’s win against Catalans - one of the highest-ever recorded.

Davies, set to play against Castleford tonight, said: “I tend to pride myself on my carries more than scoring.

“It’s a big part of the game now for the outside backs, to make carries. The game’s progressed from winger catching the ball and running fast.”

Wigan officials were staggered by his tally in Sunday’s 42-22 win.

To put that statistic into context, the second-highest in the game was Liam Farrell with 162m, while only two Catalans players just poked above the 100m mark.

And fresh data suggest Davies’ feat is the second-highest ever in a Super League game since the statistics was recorded, behind only ex-Warrington player Graham Appo (320m).

Joe Burgess and ex-Wigan player Brian Carney scrape into the top 10, with 287m each. An RFL statistician had been contacted to verify the figures.

Davies’ ability to eat up the metres has impressed coach Shaun Wane.

“To make 309 metres, especially for a young kid, is an outstanding achievement,” said Wane.

“He reminds me a bit of Dom Manfredi with his yardage carries. I remember having a chat with Dom about the metres he makes, and what motivates him, and he said, ‘I just don’t like being tackled’, and I think Tom is similar.

“Against Catalans, with his first carry, they were piling into him and he had the smartness and desire to get out of trouble.”

The only other Super League player to reach the 300m mark is Greg Eden, during his time at Hull KR.

Eden is currently leading another statistic chart, as the competition’s leading tryscorer this year with 14.

“He’s a good player and Cas’ are in form,” said Davies. “He’s the top tryscorer and they have two or three up there - they’re posting a lot of points, especially on our edge.”

Davies, who scored two tries last weekend, only earned his chance because of a raft of injuries to Wane’s side.

But he has justified his selection ahead of fit-again Lewis Tierney and the academy-product admits he is feeling more comfortable in his new surroundings.

“When you come into the side, even being sat in the dressing room feels surreal,” says the amicable Davies.

“I had a lot of advice and tips - Anthony Gelling was great - and the more you play, the more comfortable you feel.

“I wasn’t expected to get my chance so soon, but it was a case of take my opportunity and make the most of it.”